Crime Scene: From Fingerprints to DNA Testing - An Astonishing Inside Look at the Real World of C.S.I.

by Larry Ragle

A behind-the-scenes look at forensic investigation by one of the nation's top criminologists explains how physical evidence can be obtained from seemingly minute objects and describes his role in the O. J. Simpson trial and other major cases. Reissue.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Memoir, Crime, Research

411 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 31, 1995

Reviews

[Fishface]

This was a remarkably fun-loving book about crime-scene investigation, by a man obviously well-practiced in coping via gallows humor. All kinds of common and rare scenarios are laid out and explained in scientific detail. Anyone interested in real-life CSI should drop whatever they are doing and buy this book.

[J]

This is a very detailed and informative look into the world of crime scene investigation. It shines a light on the dull, less than glamorous parts that Hollywood leaves out. While the information contained is slightly dated, as others have mentioned, it is quite educational rot the casual observer that may not know much or anything at all about these technologies and practices. I picked this up to use as a source of research for a novel that I am writing and found it fit the bill perfectly. As one with a slightly warped sense of humor, I enjoyed the use of dark humor scattered throughout the book. I enjoyed the overall experience, but could not give it a 5-star rating solely based upon the dryness of the section on DNA. It was well written, but not having a background in that area parts of it were quite dull and hard to follow. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to see what life at a crime scene is like, to authors looking for some technical information, or those who want to hear about true cases from the perspective of someone who was involved in investigating them. There are several examples from real life cases that are discussed throughout that are quite interesting.

[Elaine Lucky]

Even thought his book was from 1995 it's interesting to go back & see how far law enforcement & forensics have come today. DNA, hair fibers, fluids, blood spatter. It's all in this book. It's a good in depth read & procedural

[Charles Clark]

The science and tech in the book is a little dated only due to the book being about a decade old. Even so, this book will give you a better idea of what forensic criminalists actually do compared to the depictions you might encounter in books or on tv and film.

[Melanie Stevens]

The book was definitely informational but not really enjoyable. It seemed a bit dry and felt more like I was reading a small text book.